Is the train too loud?

Question

I'm new to the Waterville area of Maine. I'm wondering about the train lines in the area, which ones are active? Does the one running down through Waterville affect living there much? What's the frequency?

Aigo Pyles · Answer

I suggest you should talk to the neighbors of that property and ask them about it.

Amy A. · Answer

I wouldn't buy a property right on the tracks. I lived next to abandoned tracks in California, and there was a lot of crime because that's where people walk who don't want to be seen.

I have rentals in Auburn where they can hear the train, and had one tenant in 13 years not renew because the sound bothered her.

It's good that you're considering all the factors that could effect marketability in your search. Good luck!

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Peter Kopchik I volunteer at the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville and the train runs right next to us.  It's not running at full speed, but there's an appreciable rumble.

I drive through Waterville frequently but have never been stuck at a crossing and have never heard the horn blow.  I assume it does though.

That train, as I understand it, is strictly freight, so it's not like the commuter trains we had in Mass, so I don't know that there's a published schedule.

The best bet is to hang out near a crossing or go to the rail yard and see if someone there can help.

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Peter Kopchik A funny thing about Maine.  Unlike Massachusetts (where I moved from last year), rentals don't hit the MLS.  That means that we don't have data on the rental market.

That said, there's a butt for every seat.  There's still a drastic shortage of properties on the market -like most of the country.  I think anything properly priced will sell quickly.

Here are the current stats for Waterville.

Ruth P. · Answer

Hi All:  Does anyone know about the train tracks in Winslow Maine that run parallel to Bay Street?  And does that rusty bridge near the Ticonic Falls there still work?  It seems like that's where the train once travelled through but I don't know for sure if it still runs through there and through Winslow?  Thank you!

Travis Dubord · Answer

i went to look at one of the property's last week over in that area  the  one i looked at needed about 15-20k in work and there was a sewer pipe that broke and never got cleaned up so there was shit in the cellar i was livable but just barley..   since you work down at the yard i would look more to a dirty lew area there are a few good opportunity down that way  for rentals

Peter Kopchik · Answer

@Charlie MacPherson Thanks I thought it was probably freight. That rumble is what I was wondering about.  Do you see the rentals becoming vacant a lot around the  tracks?  Do sellers have a harder time finding buyers? Thanks for your input.

Peter Kopchik · Answer

@Theresa Harris Thanks, I was hoping for local insight about the trains up there. Seems to be a lot of mls listings right along side the tracks in Fairfield and Waterville, ME. Probably harder to keep tenants in there if its disturbingly loud too often. I plan on checking it out myself when I'm in the area.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Can you look at the local train schedule?  It will show those that stop in the area, not the ones that go through.  Talk to some of the neighbours where you are looking to buy.

I don't live there, but do live in a town where the train goes through.  I'm not next to the tracks, but can hear it on occasion (whistle blowing or if it puts on the brakes).

Is the train too loud?

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